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Combining the temperament of the German Shepherd Dog and Laika dog breed types, the Russian GSDs form an intensely close, loyal and devoted bond with their owners, rendering them nearly impossible to re-home. They are TOTALLY SINGLE-PERSON DOGS, even if they have been brought up in a family home, attaching to one person only TO THE EXCLUSION OF ALL OTHERS, and making ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS whatsoever for ANY other family member. It is not at all unusual for it to COMPLETELY IGNORE any commands given by anyone who is not its alpha owner, creating difficulties in a family situation.

If they do show any sign of friendliness towards new people in the lives of their alpha owner eg marriage partner, it can take an exceptionally long time and it is NOT IN ANY WAY GUARANTEED, no matter how many years they have shared living with that person that this will happen.

CHILDREN:

This Russian GSDDOES NOT EASILY BECOME ATTACHED TO CHILDREN – unless the child is its alpha owner, and isOFTEN VERY INTOLERANTof them. Unlike most dogs if it does play with children it will be just as rough as it would be with adults. It will also WASTE NO TIME ABOUT SNAPPING AT THEM IF IT FEELS THEY ARE PUSHING ITS LIMITS TOO FARsuch as if they play too roughly for the Russian GSD’s liking – a point of particular and serious concern to parents.

EXERCISE:

As with the German Shepherd Dog the East-European Shepherd is bred to have pretty muchENDLESS SUPPLIES OF ENERGYand it can happily work for many hours without any need for a break. WITHOUT WORKeg herding, competitive obedience, or agility it will quickly become deeply unhappy and develop behaviour problems. Ideally it will be givenSEVERAL HOURS DAILYof mentally stimulating pursuits and dynamic physical exercise. These dogs areTOTALLY UNSUITABLEfor apartment life and need to be in a home which can offerVERY substantial, expansive gardens.

HEALTH ISSUES:

The East-European Shepherd has a broader gene pool than the majority of other purebred dogs, and with its status as almost exclusively a working dog when compared to other modern pure-bred dogs, is typically considered to be very healthy.

Whilst it DOES experience genetically inherited health issues, just like any other dog they tend to be FEWER AND FARTHER BETWEEN its equals of other breeds.

MOULTING

Bred to withstand the extreme climates of Russia and surrounding areas the Russian German Shepherd Dog can live just as happily outside as inside. Indeed OUTSIDE may prove preferable for more house-proud owners! IT SHEDS HAIR ALL THE YEAR ROUND, very effectively smothering carpets, furnishings and clothing ON A FULL-TIME,ON-GOING BASIS. However when the seasonal shedding takes place and the undercoat is replaced, SHEDDING IS TAKEN TO AN UNPRECEDENTED LEVEL of intensity! A very powerful vacuum cleaner is a must with these dogs!!

GUARD DOG:

Bite first, ask questions later dogs, Russian GSD s are well known for their practically silent operating status; it is very rare that they bark; and for their EXTREMELY ALERT AND HIGHLY PROTECTIVE instincts. However, these dogs make excellent guard dogs that will unhesitatingly DEFEND THEIR TERRITORY TO THE DEATH.

Weighing in at around 100 lbs (70-130 lbs for both sexes) the Russian GSD is a formidable and extraordinarily powerful dog; (males stand at 26-30 inches, females- 24-28 inches) and is a dog intensely and ferociously determined to protect its owner from harm AT ALL COSTS. The prospects of survival for a would-be attacker are NOTgood!!

To Neuter or Not to Neuter!

SPAYING

PROS

Normally eliminates inconvenience of seasons and stops the bleeding and behavioural changes.

Early spaying (before 1st season) drastically reduces the chances of mammary tumours later in life.

Completely removes the risk of Pyometra (uterine infection and a serious threat to all ages which can be fatal.

Helps with hierarchy problems but must spay lower ranking bitch only.

CONS

Temperament changes are possible with some bitches becoming more docile.

Small risk of urinary incontinence in early spaying but this can be treated easily.

Spaying, though routine, is major surgery. It is very uncommon but occasionally a haemorrhage can occur. There is also a small risk of problems within the skin wound.

The older the bitch is at the time of spaying (this should be around 9+ months) the greater the risks involved.

Recovery can take several days and it can take several weeks for her to heal. A follow up visit 7-10 days after spaying is necessary to remove the stitches.

Possible weight gain but if diet is properly adjusted and after spaying and appropriate exercise is given this should not be a problem.

CASTRATION

NB CASTRATION IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS AND NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY.

PROS

Prevents the dog causing unwanted pregnancies

If done early prevents straying, leg lifting and territory marking

Prevents Testicular cancer (common cause of death in older dogs)

Reduces the risk of Prostrate cancer

Can cure hierarchy problems – between two males – so long as ONLY the LOWER ranking dog is neutered. This widens the gap between them and allows the higher ranking dog to take the top dog spot. NEVER neuter both – dogs are never equal.

Aggressive behaviour especially towards other dogs is usually reduced after castration.

Dominant/over amorous sexual behaviour is also normally much reduced. This results in less straying and helps to reduce traffic accidents.

CONS

Neutering is not a cure for all problems. It can help but also it could make no difference whatsoever:

E.G. It is unlikely to make any difference to: Wild and unruly behaviour or dog to dog/people aggression. And never to: Destructive behaviour and separation anxiety.

As with spayed bitches, castrated dogs can also experience changes in temperament, some becoming much quieter/docile.

As with spaying there is a possibility of weight gain after castration, but if diet is properly adjusted and controlled and appropriate exercise is given this should not be a problem.

Too late (around 12 months – peak of testosterone production) possible leading to a hormone driven “thug” dog for life.

Too young (around 7 months) risk dog will be thought of as female by other males due to not developing a proper masculine body and masculine behaviour. Vets do not usually castrate till around 9 months old.

Recovery usually takes 1-2 days with a follow up visit to remove stitches 7-10 days later.

NB Neither of these procedures are reversible! If there is any possibility of requirement to breed from a bitch at a later date or of having a dog at stud then neutering is not an option!

EXERCISE

The first task of the day is to let the dogs out for morning exercise. Each kennel has its own attached run, so the dogs can be let into their runs while their kennels are cleaned and disinfected, and allowed to return for a biscuit or morning meal, in line with their feeding plan.

For dogs that respond better to running free there are good sized, outdoor exercise runs available.

The dogs can be returned to their kennels when they have been cleaned, and the handlers have ensured that their dogs have been dried off when the weather is wet.

Kennel life begins early and can on occasions finish very late. The top priority of any dog handler is the care of their charge, keeping their accommodation clean and hygienic, seeing they have exercise and good food and are comfortable and happy. After-hours disturbances should be avoided if possible both because handlers need some off duty time and because visitors disturb the dogs and send them into a frenzy of barking. If there is a good reason for out-of-hours visits by handlers and proper notice is given to the Kennel Manager, arrangements can be made to bring the dog to a separate kennel which will not involve disturbing a whole building.